if opportune

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "if opportune" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something should be done when the opportunity arises or is favorable. Example: "We can discuss the project further if opportune during the meeting next week."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Out-of-pocket expenses consisted of travel costs of the patient and, if opportune, of an accompanying person.

BMC Health Services Research

Moreover, we will gather information on direct (non- medical costs, such as costs of out-patienon- medicalt-of-hospital costsand, if opportune, readmisuchns, as well as on indirecostsn-medical cofts, such as productivity losses, by sending a patient questionnaire at three months following hospital admission.

BMC Health Services Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Revisiting seems opportune if a chef has left or if a restaurant has changed hands or menu.

The New York Times

They made speeches if it was opportune, but not much else was expected of them, other than party loyalty.

The New Yorker

These includes corrective maintenance i.e. "break and repair" maintenance techniques (Salonen and Deleryd 2011); a preventive maintenance system i.e. "fix it before it fail" maintenance strategy (Sheu and Kuo 2006), and an opportunistic maintenance system i.e. "fix if you are opportune to identify the fault" maintenance strategy (Cui and Li 2006).

Journal of Industrial Engineering International

He had hit five home runs this postseason, most, if not all, at opportune times.

The New York Times - Sports

"The Catalan parliament could proceed, if it is considered opportune, to vote on a formal declaration of independence," he said.

BBC

It is deduced, therefore, that if released at an opportune time, the Peruvian pathotype of P. spegazzinii is expected to perform consistently in Assam, Kerala and Andaman and Nicobar islands as it is able to infect a wide range of populations of M. micrantha.

Egyptian Journal of Biological Pest Control

"If the government continues to impede dialogue and continues with the repression, the Catalan parliament could proceed, if it is considered opportune, to vote on a formal declaration of independence". But he faces an uphill struggle - it is likely that senior figures in charge of internal security in Catalonia could be dismissed, and control of the region's police force could pass to Madrid.

BBC

But in the very next breath, they will then promote statistics that say the tea parties are more popular than either the Democratic or the Republican party, and wonder if it's an opportune time for a third party candidate.

Huffington Post

If there was ever an opportune moment for an African solution to an African problem (Qaddafi regularly refers to himself as the "King of Africa") or for South Africa's long-awaited leadership role in Africa to reveal itself, this would appear to be it.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "if opportune" when you want to convey that an action should be taken when circumstances are most favorable or advantageous. It suggests a strategic approach to timing.

Common error

Avoid using "if opportune" in informal contexts where simpler phrases like "if it's a good time" or "if we get a chance" would be more appropriate. The phrase can sound overly formal in casual conversation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "if opportune" functions as an adverbial clause, modifying a verb or clause by indicating a conditional circumstance. It specifies when an action should be performed, contingent on the favorability or suitability of the circumstances. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "if opportune" is a grammatically sound way to express a conditional circumstance where timing is key. While Ludwig AI indicates that it's relatively rare, it finds its place in news and scientific writing when a formal tone is requested. Remember to consider your audience and context, and consider alternatives like "when the time is right" or "if the opportunity presents itself" in less formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if the opportunity presents itself

This alternative directly mentions "opportunity", but uses a more common phrasing.

if the time is right

This alternative focuses on the timing being suitable, emphasizing the moment rather than the opportunity itself.

if the moment arises

This phrase highlights the emergence of a suitable moment for action, stressing the conditional nature of the opportunity.

when the chance presents itself

This option emphasizes the availability of a chance and the need to recognize it when it appears.

should the occasion arise

A more formal alternative, using "occasion" instead of "opportunity" and suggesting a slightly more significant event.

if circumstances permit

This phrase focuses on external conditions allowing the action, rather than the inherent favorability of the moment.

as circumstances allow

Similar to "if circumstances permit", but emphasizes the ongoing nature of the allowance.

when feasible

This alternative highlights the practicality and achievability of the action under the given circumstances.

when convenient

Focuses on ease and suitability of the timing, placing emphasis on user preference.

if it suits

This alternative emphasizes personal preference or convenience as the determining factor.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "if opportune" for better flow?

You can use alternatives like "if the opportunity presents itself", "when the time is right", or "if circumstances permit" to vary your sentence structure.

Is "if opportune" too formal for casual writing?

While grammatically correct, "if opportune" can sound formal. Consider using phrases like "if it's a good time" or "if we get a chance" in less formal contexts.

What's the difference between "if opportune" and "if appropriate"?

"If opportune" implies that the timing is right for a particular action, while "if appropriate" suggests that the action itself is suitable or fitting for the situation. They address different aspects of suitability.

Can "if opportune" be used at the beginning of a sentence?

Yes, "if opportune" can be used at the beginning of a sentence, but ensure the sentence maintains a clear and logical flow. For example: "If opportune, we should schedule a follow-up meeting."